Today an all-female crew of rowers challenges Samoan sporting norms when the ‘Fautasi o Toa’ longboat take on four all male crews in a race to celebrate the 70th anniversary of St Joseph’s College.
The women have teamed up with the United Nations Development Program to put a Spotlight on Violence Against Women and Girls initiative and help celebrate the Catholic school.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, himself an old boy of St Joseph’s College, said the challenge is a wake-up call for Samoa to stop and eliminate violence against women and girls.
“It is also a challenge for the leaders of our country, churches, and villages,” he said.
Tuilaepa said that it’s a day of celebration for Samoan women who have stepped into a traditional all male sport and took up a challenge issued to their master skipper, Vaimasenuu Zita Martel.
Vaimasenu’u said she chose ‘Fautasi o Toa’ as it clearly states that the team is made up of legendary women, of women champions, of women who are scared but doing it anyway, of women who are fiercely protective of their own.
The team will be sporting the color orange which advocates for the elimination of violence against women.
The race takes place at noon today Samoa time.
Photos: Tu’u Fu’a Hazelman
